Lesser Known Disciples
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. Acts 15:22 (ESV)
We first hear about Silas (or Silvanus) for the first time at a pivotal point in the history of the Early Church. There were some who came from Judea and were teaching Gentile Christians in Jerusalem that it was necessary that they be circumcised to be saved (Acts 15:1). Their arguments also persuaded some believers who had been part of the sect of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5).
The Apostles and elders of the young church gathered to discuss the matter, and the Gospel of Jesus won the day over the legalistic requirements. The Apostle Peter and James, leaders in the church in Jerusalem, urged that circumcision not be required. They decided to send a letter to Gentile believers, especially those in Antioch in Syria. They chose men from the assembly in Jerusalem to accompany Paul and Barnabas to encourage the believers in Antioch . . . and among them was a man named Silas.
We know very little about Silas other than that he was called one of the ‘leading men among the brothers.’ In time, Silas continued to be a travel companion and evangelist with the Apostle Paul. He sang hymns with Paul while their feet were fastened in the stocks in the inner prison in Philippi.
We may not know much about Silas, but the Lord Jesus knew him and used him to proclaim the Gospel throughout the ancient world. May God embolden us to do the same wherever we go.
Grant, we pray, Almighty God to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom from above, that Your Word, may not be bound but be proclaimed to the joy and strengthening of Christ’s holy people, that in faith we may serve You and in the confession of Your name continue until the end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Collect for the Church (ed.), The Lutheran Hymnal